During “osmica” time when local farmers are allowed to sell their wines directly, drive to Slovenia’s Kras region. From the Škrk farm in the village of Gradnje a view opens of the Nanos and Vremščica mountains.

They guarantee they will not run short of Teran wine and pršut (prosciutto), as an aperitif they offer črni trn (“black thorn”) brandy, slice homemade salami, boil up walnut or cottage cheese štruklji, and prepare the authentic Kras jota, a thick sauerkraut soup. You can chat about Kras customs and the ethnological and culinary features of this unique Slovene region or dance to the tune of local melodies.

Nearby is historic Štanjel, and you can also visit the Lipica Stud Farm and Riding Center or the remarkable Škocjan Caves. The Raša Valley is a pleasure to explore on foot or by bicycle.